Abstract: A force measurement device capable of wirelessly transmitting information about strokes produced by a rower rowing a boat. The device itself attaches to an oarlock without requiring any modification to the oarlock, riggers, or boat. One device shall be required per oarlock. The device may be self powered or utilize an energy storage device. The device will transmit the information gathered by the sensors via wireless communications to a smart device in the boat or a nearby location. This smart device will display the information in a manner easily interpreted to the user, store received data and transmit the data.

Abstract: An inflatable hull fabricated from a drop stitch material is configurable to either a dory or drift boat. The inflatable hull has oarlocks which may be placed within urethane mounts, which are glued or thermally bonded to the fabric making up the gunnels of the boat, thereby eliminating any need for a stiff frame for attachment of oars to the craft. The inflatable hull may have internal structures, such as seats, thigh braces and panels, which are also fabricated from drop stitch material as an integral unit with the hull. Alternatively, the seats, thigh braces and panels may be fabricated as attachable and detachable components which allow a single hull to be utilized either as a dory or a drift boat.

Abstract: An improved variable pitch oarlock of a rowing shell, including a gate for securing an oar, which is adapted to swivel about a vertical pin of a rigger of the rowing shell. The improvement residing in the inclusion of horizontal pivot means adapted to vary the horizontal angular displacement of the gate as it swivels about the vertical pin. In operation, the pitch of the oar blade can be correspondingly varied and accurately determined during all phases of the rowing stroke. The horizontal pin also provides the mounting for force sensors; ensuring horizontal and/or vertical forces can be measured. Also claimed is a method of coaching or training rowing crew(s), utilizing the variable pitch oarlock as herein described, wherein force, angle and depth measurements are taken and analyzed.

Abstract: A Forward Facing Rowing Apparatus and the associated vessel. The apparatus has a single attachment point and pivot assembly for supporting the oars. A built-in set of leaf spring elements reduce user effort by providing lifting force to raise the oar members. The apparatus is deployable on vessel hulls of virtually unlimited configuration, while still offering proper rowing leverage between the user's hands and the blades without the need for supplemental mounting systems or outriggers. The apparatus is stowable within the center area of the vessel hull. The positioning of the central pivot point for the oars can be adjusted along the axis of the vessel hull so that it can accommodate a wide variety of user preferences. An alternate design includes a foot-assisted sliding trolley mounting assembly that enables the user to add leg/foot power to the stroking motion. Furthermore, the apparatus is removable from the hull for transport or storage.

Abstract: An improved variable pitch oarlock of a rowing shell, including a gate for securing an oar, which is adapted to swivel about a vertical pin of a rigger of the rowing shell. The improvement residing in the inclusion of horizontal pivot means adapted to vary the horizontal angular displacement of the gate as it swivels about the vertical pin. In operation, the pitch of the oar blade can be correspondingly varied and accurately determined during all phases of the rowing stroke. The horizontal pin also provides the mounting for force sensors; ensuring horizontal and/or vertical forces can be measured. Also claimed is a method of coaching or training rowing crew(s), utilising the variable pitch oarlock as herein described, wherein force, angle and depth measurements are taken and analysed.

Abstract: A mainframe for a float structure is described. The mainframe is detachably connectable to the dorsal surface of the float structure inflatables and comprises: a plurality of segmented and connectable cross-structure support members transversely attached to a plurality of segmented and connected longitudinal connector members via a connector member. Each of the longitudinal members and crossmembers may be made up of a plurality of detachable sections.

Abstract: An improved oar that has an oarlock assembly, which holds the main oar shaft and parallel link in line with each other while allowing them to pivot fore and aft and up and down; an oar shaft; a parallel link; and a knuckle. The knuckle positions the handle via a sleeve, and the parallel link that is positioned by a pivot on the end of an arm. Additionally, there is a universal joint between the oar shaft and the handle, in line with the parallel link pivot, that allows the blade to be feathered while keeping the handle perpendicular to the rowing shell at every point in the stroke.

Abstract: An adjustable rigging system for a boat including a bracket adapted to connect to an outboard end portion of a stay mechanism for a boat, the bracket including a top hole and a bottom hole, wherein an axis is defined between a center of the top hole and a center of the bottom hole, a pin extending along the axis including two ends, each end removably connected to the bracket adjacent to one of the top and bottom holes, and wherein the location of at least one of the top and the bottom holes is adjustable to change a pitch of the axis and the pin.

Abstract: The present invention seeks to provide a novel load cell which measures the force applied to, for example, an oarlock, without alteration to the boat and with minimal requirements for installation, use and maintenance. The force sensing system comprises (i) a force sensor, (ii) a load member to which a load is applied and (iii) a support member contacting a support, the force sensor deflecting when transmitting a force between the load member and the support member; wherein the load member and support member are concentric tubes and form, with the force sensor, a unitary assembly.

Abstract: A gunwale for a boat. The gunwale can include an inner side and an outer side coupled at first ends to a top side forming a deck and at second ends to a bottom side. The gunwale can also include a first slot opening downwardly adjacent the inner side receiving a side panel of the boat, and a second slot opening downwardly adjacent the outer side receiving a hull of the boat. The outer side of the gunwale can also include a groove receiving a hook of a cover for the boat. A portion of the gunwale can also have an inner surface forming a closed channel and an outer surface forming an open channel through which lines can be run, and can also include a removable keeper coupled to the gunwale to at least partially close the open channel. The outer side of the gunwale can also include a laterally facing channel configured to receive a bumper.

Abstract: A rowing shell adapted for phase shift rowing, seating multiple groups of rowers such that all rowers within a group are seated for synchronous rowing, but each group is seated for asynchronous rowing with respect to the adjacent group. The phase shift rowing overcomes deficiencies encountered In boats supporting unison rowing, and provides greater average velocity for the same power input. The spacing provided between adjacent groups of rowers rowing out of phase is approximately twice or greater than the spacing between adjacent rowers rowing in phase within each group, wherein the spacing is defined by the distance between adjacent oarlock pins.

Abstract: A paddle support having a storage device assists in rowing a vessel. The paddle is retained in the upper portion of a support that has a base section that may be connected to the storage device or a support strap. The storage device may rest directly on the floor of the vessel, or may be suspended over the opening of a vessel by a support strap. The storage device may be a backpack, bag, box or insulated cooler. The use of the support strap allows the storage device and support to be used with a watertight skirt or covering stretched over the opening of the vessel.

Abstract: Device for removably securing an oar (3) to an edge of a boat, comprising an oarlock (4) accommodating a coupling member secured to the shaft (6) of the oar (3); the oarlock (4) comprises a base (7) supporting, via a spindle (22), a pivoting transverse arm (12) which has a cylindrical housing (13) opening into its front end (14) and locking means which have, to the rear and along the axis of the orifice of the housing (13), selectively a section provided with a hole (15) of the same diameter as the housing and a section provided with a hole (16) of a smaller diameter; a pivot (17) secured radially to the shaft (6) of the oar (3) having the same diameter as the housing (13) and hollowed by an annular groove (18) of a diameter equal to the smaller diameter of the locking means.

Abstract: Device for removably securing an oar (3) to an edge of a boat, comprising an oarlock (4) accommodating a coupling member secured to the shaft (6) of the oar (3); the oarlock (4) comprises a base (7) supporting, via a spindle (22), a pivoting transverse arm (12) which has a cylindrical housing (13) opening into its front end (14) and locking means which have, to the rear and along the axis of the orifice of the housing (13), selectively a section provided with a hole (15) of the same diameter as the housing and a section provided with a hole (16) of a smaller diameter; a pivot (17) secured radially to the shaft (6) of the oar (3) having the same diameter as the housing (13) and hollowed by an annular groove (18) of a diameter equal to the smaller diameter of the locking means.

Abstract: An oarlock (26) for a rowing shell (42) is threaded onto an adjusting tube (10) longer than the oarlock and just shorter than an oarlock pin (16). This oarlock/tube assembly is slipped over the pin and secured so that it is free to pivot. The pin is attached to a sill (28) of a rigger (32). Manual turning of the tube will raise or lower the oarlock without disassembly to make adjustment for height and weight of rowers or changing water conditions.

Abstract: A new and improved leg assisted forward rowing system wherein a user can mechanically advantage the rowing of a boat by first pushing his foot forward along a foot glide member which is slidably engaged within a first track member. This force is transferred to the oar via a pulley belt system that engages both the foot sliding mechanism and an oar movement mechanism. The oar movement mechanism comprises an oar glide member that is forced by the pulley belt system to slide within a second track member in the opposite direction of the foot sliding mechanism. Attached to the oar glide member is an oar support mechanism in which the handle of an oar is received within an oar lock having a downwardly extending stem. The oar lock stem is slidably received by a stem support member that allows the stem to slide upward and downward therein. Additionally, the oar lock is dimensioned to allow movement of the oar handle; however, this movement may be controlled/restricted by the insertion of filler material (i.e.

Abstract: An oarlock for a rowing shell has an elongated housing with a screw member secured therewithin for rotational movement, but not axial movement therewithin. At least one guide member is secured within an elongated slot member and is threadedly secured to the screw member, such that rotation of the screw will cause responsive movement of the guide member or members within the slot or slots. By rotatably securing the oarlock either below a sole guide member or between the guide members around the exterior of the housing, rotation of the screw will effect translational movement of the oarlock pin to facilitate desired adjustment thereof. A manually rotatable adjustment element permits rotation of the screw while the rowing shell is in the water to thereby permit adjustment to the rowing conditions, such as the weight and size of the rower and water conditions. A rigging has struts securing the rigger to the rowing shell and the oarlock rotatably secured to the oarlock pin of the present invention.

Abstract: A rowing apparatus having support tubing that extends over the gunnels of the canoe, and to which the oars are mounted, is angled upwardly to provide added clearance in choppy waters. The elongated track support to which the seat and the support tubing are mounted is provided with repositionable mounting brackets that enable the height from the floor of the elongated support member to be adjusted within a range of several inches to maintain a suitable center of gravity for a wide range of weather conditions. In this manner the rower is capable of maximizing the transfer of power through the rowing apparatus, and still maintain the stability of the canoe. Since wilderness rowing is a physically demanding activity, the rowing apparatus is easily adaptable for use as a training device, permitting the user of the apparatus to use the same device in their home for exercise and training purposes that they can also use in their canoe on an actual wilderness rowing expedition.

Abstract: An oarlock for a rowing shell has an elongated housing with a screw member secured therewithin for rotational movement, but not axial movement therewithin. At least one guide member is secured within an elongated slot member and is threadedly secured to the screw member, such that rotation of the screw will cause responsive movement of the guide member or members within the slot or slots. By rotatably securing the oarlock either below a sole guide member or between the guide members around the exterior of the housing, rotation of the screw will effect translational movement of the oarlock pin to facilitate desired adjustment thereof. A manually rotatable adjustment element permits rotation of the screw while the rowing shell is in the water to thereby permit adjustment to the rowing conditions, such as the weight and size of the rower and water conditions. A rigging has struts securing the rigger to the rowing shell and the oarlock rotatably secured to the oarlock pin of the present invention.

Abstract: An oar lock device, comprising a socket member and an oar clamp member. The socket member has a bracket portion and a socket portion. The oar clamp member has a shaft, a shoulder portion and two oar brackets. The shaft is connected to the shoulder portion and rotates within the socket portion of the socket member. The oar is clamped between the oar brackets, which are attached to and rotate about the shoulder portion. The bracket portion of the socket member is attached to a boat. The oar can be rotated about a generally horizontal axis through the shoulder portion, and also can be rotated about a generally vertical axis through the socket portion. A preferred embodiment uses neoprene sealed ball bearings in the socket portion and the shoulder portion to greatly reduce friction and assist with a silent, smooth and rhythmic stroke motion.

Abstract: An oarlock of the invention is attached to a boat for supporting an oar. The oarlock is basically formed of an oar supporting member, a pivot part, and a bolt for assembling the oar supporting member and the pivot part. The oar supporting member is formed of one clamping plate which is shaped into a cylindrical oar holder part and a rectangular lower part with a rectangular opening at the bottom thereof. The pivot part is formed of a top portion with a through hole and a pin. When the oar supporting member and the pivot part are assembled, the bolt is inserted into through holes of the oar supporting member and a through hole of the pivot part. When the oar held in the oar supporting member is moved up or down, one of the side edges of the top portion hits a corresponding edge of the rectangular opening, so that the pivotal movement of the oar can be desirably restricted within a certain range.

Abstract: A small self-propelled watercraft having a main hull and an outrigger hull that is powered by a fin like oar arrangement. The main hull seats the rider and provides the substantial portion of the buoyancy for the watercraft. The fin like oar arrangement includes a blade type fin that is supported for pivotal movement at the end of the oar and the degree of pivotal movement can be adjusted from the handle end of the oar. In addition, the fin like blade is supported for movement between forward and reverse thrust positions and this movement is also controlled at the handle of the oar.

Abstract: An oar or scull is equipped with a movable sliding bushing or collar (2, 3) for adjusting the leverage while rowing. For this purpose a locking device (12) normally prevents the linear or axial movement of the oar shaft with a sliding sleeve (8) which is mounted on the oar shaft (1) relative to the locking device. By pushing a button (11) on the handle (10), the locking device (12) will allow a relative movement of approximately 2.5 mm at a time between the collar (3A, 3B) and the shaft (1). Releasing the button (11) allows again a movement of 2.5 mm, whereby a rower is able to adjust the leverage and thus the load while rowing.

Abstract: An oar stop sound dampener which minimizes the sound produced during the rowing of a boat. It is composed of a flexible, solid, closed-cell foam and is placed on the shaft of the oar adjacent to the oar stop on the side toward the paddle. The dampener is a disk having an aperture at its center to accommodate the shaft of the oar and having a segment adjacent to such aperture which segment can be removed from the disk to provide space for the elongated member some oar stops have extending along the shaft of the oar toward the paddle. By keeping the oar stop, which is usually metal, from contacting the oar lock, which is customarily also metal, through the location of the disk and its resistance to compression, and because of the flexible nature of the disk, no discernible sound is produced during rowing; and wear of the oar stop and oar lock is minimized.

Abstract: An improved oar horn assembly includes a socket constructed to be fixed to the side of a boat for rotatably mounting an oar horn. The oar horn includes a ring having a substantially ovular through-hole for receiving the oar. The ovular through-hole is constructed so that it contacts the oar at two points on substantially opposite sides of the oar to thereby support the oar within the oar horn. Since the oar is supported by contact on two opposite sides thereof, ratcheting is reduced. Further, due to the oval nature of the new oar horn design, an increased angle of attach to water may be obtained.

Abstract: An oarlock comprising a pin adapted to be mounted for pivotal movement about a generally vertical axis, the pin including an upwardly facing surface and an upper portion located above the surface, and an oar supporting member mounted on the upper portion of the pin for pivotal movement relative thereto about a generally horizontal axis the oar supporting member including a lower end surface located above the upwardly facing surface of the pin, the lower end surface including a portion which is spaced from the upwardly facing surface so as to permit pivotal movement of the oar supporting member about the horizontal axis, and a portion which engages the upwardly facing surface in response to pivotal movement of the oar supporting member so as to limit pivotal movement of the oar supporting member about the horizontal axis.

Abstract: On a rowboat with fixed installed rowing seats (4) and outriggers which can move in relation to them in the longitudinal direction of the boat, the outriggers are designed as slideable outriggers (1) which can slide on a single linear guide (11) like sleds, without tipping, forward or backward. In one particular configuration, there are connection devices (17, 18) located between the outboard segments of the sliding outriggers (1). These connection devices can also be located inside the hull of the boat. The linear guidance mechanism (11) consists essentially of a shaft (12) running parallel to the longitudinal axis of the boat inside or outside the hull of the boat (11a). One or more suspension elements (13) connected with one or more sliding outriggers (1) are guided in a sliding or rolling manner on this shaft (12).

Abstract: A combination cleat and oarwell apparatus comprising a body portion having mutually perpendicular x, y, and z axes and including a pair or projections extending in opposite directions along the x axis to form a cleat, a first extending portion having therein a first bore extending along the y axis, a second extending portion having therein a second bore extending along the z axis, and a bottom surface parallel to the plane defined by the x and z axes and adapted to be attached alternatively to a generally horizontal surface of a boat hull and to a generally vertical surface of a boat hull, a first bushing in the first bore, and a second bushing in the second bore.

Abstract: Two sleeves are arranged tangentially and are structurally connected to form the main body of the oar lock. One of the two sleeves, being larger than the other, is dimensioned to allow an oar shaft to pass through the sleeve. This larger sleeve is situated between two collars. The collars, which are secured to the oar shaft on each side of the larger sleeve, prevent the sleeve from sliding along the oar shaft. The smaller sleeve, being externally tangent to the larger sleeve, forms an oar lock body protrusion. Two members, that connect the collars, strike the oar lock body protrusion and serve to limit the oar shaft feathering rotation. The collars provide circumferential oar lock bearing against axial oar shaft loads. The sliding surface between the oar lock and the oar shaft is totally enclosed.

Abstract: An oarlock comprising a base, a front leg extending upward therefrom and having a rearwardly extending top portion, and a rear leg extending upward from the base and having a forwardly extending top portion. The top portion of the rear leg is spaced from the top portion of the front leg and projects above and forward of a top end of the front leg. The legs form a ring for holding an oar, and the top portions of the legs form an opening for passing the oar into and out of the interior of the ring.

Abstract: This invention is an improved dinghy for tending yachts and for similar purposes. The use and operation of dinghies usually entails various problems. In the prior art the managing of the loading of passengers and of gear, and at the same time maintaining a good rowing trim, has had numerous problems. The fixed oarlock sockets of the prior art have precluded efficient seating of passengers and the loading of gear, generally resulting in a poor rowing trim. At the same time, dinghies of the prior art have had less than an adequate bouyancy to enable the vessel to remain afloat in the event of a capsize. The present invention provides an adjustable oarlock device that improves the management of the loading of passengers and gear in a manner that results in an improved rowing trim. The dinghy is provided with a flotation collar, or pneumatic sponson, that provides positive bouyancy. The collar also adds stability by providing a righting moment when submerged, thus improving the safety characteristics.

Abstract: A rowing scull with a hull, a cockpit, and a deck fully peripherally interconnecting the cockpit and the hull. A frame extends beneath the cockpit, inside the hull, and is reinforcingly joined to the deck at each side of the cockpit. Outriggers for oarlocks are mounted to the deck. The oarlocks are adjustable as to position and angularity, the stretcher is adjustably mounted, and the rower's seat is uniquely mounted to rails in the cockpit.

Abstract: A rowing boat 10 has a fixed seat 14 and a movable foot stretcher 16 slidably mounted in guides 15. A swinging outrigger arm 17 is provided to support an oar by means of row lock 22 at its outer end. The inner end of outrigger 17 is pivotally mounted on a vertical axis 21. A coupling link 24 connects the stretcher to the outrigger 17, whereby as the stretcher is moved fore-and-aft during rowing the outrigger 17 is pivoted about axis 21. The link 24 is connected to the outrigger 17 at a point which is adjustable, and is always inboard of the rowlock. In an alternative embodiment the outrigger 17 is provided with a lifting member 33 which assists in raising the blade of the oar.

Abstract: A rowlock fitting for inflatable boats made as a unitary whole having a sole with a peripheral flange for adherence to the boat. Two upstanding, rigid, reinforcing ribs centrally located on a same side of the sole and integral therewith and made of a same material reinforce the central portion of the rowlock fitting and preclude transfer of twisting forces to the boat by the oars when in use. The ribs intersect substantially normal to each other. A rigid socket for an oarlock is disposed at a region of intersection of the ribs and is encircled by this region. The rigid ribs extend radially from the socket.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an oar lock seat device that combines a sliding oar lock unit with an adjustable seat-cooler box. This apparatus is comprised of two gunnel mounted sliding oar lock assemblies structurally connected by an adjustable seat-carriage assembly whose unique construction encompasses an insulated storage box upon which the occupant sits. This apparatus fits securely into inflatable rafts of various dimensions and will remain with the craft even in an inverted position.